Public Adjusters in Washington

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder’s interests in preparing, presenting, and negotiating first-party property insurance claims. They help document damage, prepare estimates, and negotiate with insurance carriers to pursue a fair settlement.

Yes. Washington requires public adjusters to be licensed by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. A public adjuster must obtain a license to investigate, negotiate, or handle insurance claims on behalf of a policyholder.

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Pass the Washington adjuster exam, administered by Pearson VUE, unless you qualify for reciprocity.
• Complete the pre-licensing requirements, which may include experience, education, or an adjuster-trainee program.
• Submit fingerprints and required documentation with your application.
• Obtain and maintain a $5,000 surety bond as part of the licensing process.

Yes. Washington issues non-resident public adjuster licenses for applicants who hold a resident license from another state and meet reciprocity requirements. Non-residents whose home state does not license adjusters may use a designated home state license by examination to qualify.

• Interpreting insurance policies and coverage provisions.
• Inspecting and documenting damage to property.
• Preparing detailed claims and estimates.
• Negotiating with insurers to pursue fair settlements.

Yes. Washington requires adjusters — including public adjusters — to complete continuing education (CE), with resident licensees typically needing a certain number of approved CE hours (including ethics) every renewal cycle.

Public adjusters commonly work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid a percentage of the insurance settlement they help secure. While Washington itself does not set a statutory fee cap specific to public adjusters, compensation terms must be clearly disclosed in a written contract between the adjuster and the policyholder.

• The scope of services the adjuster will provide.
• Compensation terms and any contingency fee details.
• Responsibilities for communication and claim handling.
• License number and contact information of the adjuster.

• Public Adjuster: Works for you, the policyholder, to document loss and negotiate with the insurer.
• Insurance Company Adjuster: Works for the insurance company and evaluates claims from the insurer’s perspective.